Having an advance health care directive, or AHCD, is more important than ever now that we are in the midst of a pandemic.
Having an advance health care directive, or AHCD, is more important than ever now that we are in the midst of a pandemic.
To meet this need, Community First is offering workshops using the free Zoom app, according to committee chairwoman Charlene Iboshi.
“The next workshop, which will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., is similar to our monthly in-person workshops. For the ‘virtual’ Zoom session, participants will need an iPad, computer or smartphone. We have volunteers who will assist folks needing help to link in.”
The self-help workshop provides “step-by-step” information on how you can complete an advance health care directive. For those who already have one, this workshop can help them review it to see if it meets their current needs.
Iboshi noted that participants liked May’s “virtual workshop.”
With COVID-19, patients can have difficulty breathing and might need to be put on a ventilator. If this happens, patients are usually sedated and unable to communicate.
According to Iboshi, “The AHCD allows you to designate someone you trust to speak for you in situations where you are unable to speak. Everyone 18 and older should have an AHCD.
“Because of safer-at-home conditions, many of us are spending more time with our loved ones. It’s the perfect time to have conversations expressing your wishes regarding the kind of medical care you want if you are unable to speak. Our workshop helps to start this important conversation.”
Register for the next workshop online at www.communityfirsthawaii.org/registration/ or call Amy Hamane at 935-1500 or Rosemary Burnett at 987-4405.
